black tar weeping from oak

MareeMartin

Hi, hope I'm using this ok. I have a beautiful huge oak tree but it has just in the past 2 months developed a problem with black tar weeping from it. I am concerned as it is not letting up any and I want to help the tree. Any help would be wonderful. Thanks heaps.

stirmantrees

pictures?
does the "tar" smell?

TrevMcRev

Pictures would really help

Oaks will often weep sap from wounds. The would could be from a pruning cut, a broken branch or a fracture or split, either in a branch or at a branch/trunk union.

MareeMartin

Hi again, thanks for the response. I have just checked and there is no smell. I have tried to post a photo but I can't get the system to accept the file. Sorry people I'm kinda technologically retarded! Anyone willing to give me an email address and I can email the photo I took today? By the way, when I picked up some of the black "tar" at the bottom on the tree it was crispy like burnt wood!!!! The tree hasn't been pruned so it's not that. What about possums as we have a possum visiting nightly (and no it's not possum urine). I would say the drought but the two oaks beside this one are doing fine. ???????

TrevMcRev

Just send it to info@totaltreecare.com.au & i will put it up for you.

MareeMartin

Hi, I've just emailed the photo. Thanks for your help. Best regards, Maree

TrevMcRev

Here is the Oak Tree:

Attached Thumbnails

 

MareeMartin

Thank you for posting the photograph for me TrevMcRev. Two days ago I placed fresh white pebbles at the base of the tree to see if it was still weeping and so far no residue - woohoo!!! Maybe she's going to be alright after all. Thank you again for your help. If any more tar appears I will contact this website again for advice. Thanks, Maree.

TrevMcRev

Hi Maree,

I dont think that weeping, from a small wound is too big of a deal.

Not likely to be any issue structurally or a major concern health wise.

boreality

Probably wet wood/slime flux, do you guys agree? My approach to tree diseases is there is no pill or spray you can give a tree to fix it. It's simple; plant the right tree in the right place and plant it properly. Then don't damage it, give it minimal pruning, leave it to take care of itself, give it water when needed. And if it gets "sick" and hazardous or unattractive chop 'er down and plant a new one. Basically there is no cure for the disease but there are ways to lessen the tree's stress and it's natural defenses will protect it.
Actually that's my take on current tree care standards. I try to follow them. If it was up to me I'd graft, topiary and manipulate every tree I could, just for fun. Good thing others know better.